How to Wear a Maxi Dress When You’re Petite?

Are you less than 5 feet 5 inches tall and wondering if you can wear long dresses? Would you like to know which style to choose to enhance your figure? What details should you pay attention to for a stunning look?

I’m here to help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I understand how important it is to know your body type and how to accentuate it. With the arrival of warm days, maxi dresses are making a comeback in online stores and boutiques… but does this style suit all women?

This guide on maxi dresses is designed to answer that question and share my best tips, especially for petite women, no matter what body type they have.

Wearing a long dress when you’re petite is definitely possible! The key is to carefully choose your dress style, opting for solid colors or prints with small patterns that are proportional to your height. In terms of length, go for a dress that falls just above your ankles. Don’t hesitate to highlight your best features with a fitted dress, a thigh-high slit, or a V-neckline: these details will draw attention to what makes you feel confident. Choose either heels or sleek, flat shoes. Finally, complete your outfit with accessories like a belt or a small bag to elevate your look!

Do you want more details? Keep reading to find out:

• What colors and patterns to choose for your maxi dress,
• How to select a style that flatters your figure,
• What shoes and accessories to wear with it,
• Tips to look taller in a maxi dress,
• And fashion advice specifically for curvy and petite women!

What Size Should You Wear for a Maxi Dress?

It’s often said that you need to be tall to wear a long dress. But is that really true? Taller girls will indeed have an easier time finding a long dress that fits them, as most styles are designed with their proportions in mind. However, this does not mean you should give up on this type of garment if you are under 5’5″! You just need to know your body shape and choose a style that flatters you. To do this, make sure to try on dresses in stores or carefully compare the dress measurements if you are shopping online! 😉

6 Tips for Wearing a Maxi Dress When You’re Petite

Are you wondering how to find the dress that will make you shine? Let’s explore some key factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice.

Play with Colors to Enhance Your Look

Choosing the cut of your dress is essential, but the color is just as important. Solid color maxi dresses, especially in darker shades, are perfect for making someone petite appear a bit taller, simply because they are also slightly slimming and will elongate your silhouette.

Choose a Print That Matches Your Size

Do you prefer a dress with pretty patterns instead of a solid-colored one? That’s definitely possible, but make sure to keep the following in mind:

• The print you choose doesn’t “cut” you in half: the patterns should be consistent throughout the entire length of the dress and not differ from the top to the bottom, in order to enhance your overall silhouette.
• The patterns aren’t too large: opt for delicate and light details to avoid weighing down the visual effect of your dress.

👉 Looking for a striped dress? Choose wisely! Avoid thick horizontal stripes that may not flatter your body shape. Instead, opt for diagonal lines at a 45-degree angle, which tend to be more flattering.

Choose a Fabric That Fits Your Curves

Depending on the fabric you choose, your dress can either add bulk to your figure if it’s made from a heavy material (like wool or velvet) or, on the other hand, give you a radiant and natural look. For this, it’s better to opt for materials such as:

• Fluid jersey cotton,
• Natural or synthetic silk,
• Lightweight linen,
• Lace (for certain details, especially to add sophistication to your outfit).

Choose the Perfect Dress Length

When you’re little, this detail is essential! Avoid dresses that fall straight just above your ankles at all costs, as their hemline creates a horizontal line that can make your legs look shorter.

To lengthen them and enhance your entire body, I recommend:

• A maxi dress that falls just above the floor,
• A midi dress that’s a bit longer, hitting just below your knees.

Pair It with the Right Shoes

Since long dresses already cover a large part of your body, I highly recommend showcasing your legs by highlighting your feet. High heels might not be the best choice, as they don’t quite match the bohemian style of the long dress. To stay in line with that vibe, you should consider healed sandals instead.

👉 If you prefer not to wear heels, you can opt for flat sandals, ideally with thin straps to showcase a bit of your skin.

Use Accessories to Look Taller!

Always choose accessories that are proportionate to your size: it’s better to carry a small crossbody bag or a light tote bag rather than an oversized bag that could weigh you down.

The belt is also a great choice to add a stylish detail to your dress and shape your silhouette. Choose a belt that isn’t too contrasting with your dress to avoid visually breaking your figure in half, and if possible, wear heels to counterbalance the horizontal look of the belt.

Long Dress Styles to Discover That Will Enhance Your Look

During your next shopping session, pay attention to the styles of the dresses you find. Certain details can be a real advantage if you’re on the shorter side! Here’s how to identify them.

A Long Split Dress

By showing off a bit of your leg, slit dresses prevent you from looking overly covered up. Plus, they add a sexy touch to an outfit that’s perfect for a night out, a romantic date, or enjoying a beautiful summer day with friends.

A Dress Shorter in the Front

This particular cut is incredibly practical: it combines the best of both worlds, subtly showcasing your legs in the front while elongating your figure in the back. The shorter hem at the front also, due to optical illusion, will make you appear taller.

A Flared Maxi Dress

Among all types of dresses, the flared dress, also known as the “A-line dress,” is the most flattering for a variety of body types. As long as it doesn’t cling to your hips or thighs, a dress with this cut will be perfect for everyday wear and even for special occasions. It ensures a feminine and elegant look, making it a great choice if you’re still unsure about which style to pick.

A fitted dress, but high-waisted!

The separation created by the length of a dress between your upper and lower body plays a crucial role in determining whether a long dress will flatter your petite frame. For instance, if you wear a fitted long dress that sits too low, such as at the hips, it may shorten your silhouette by dividing it into two distinct parts.

I highly recommend that you apply the ⅓ above, ⅔ below proportions more than ever. These ratios are perfect for elongating your silhouette and enhancing your figure. A long fitted dress cinched at the waist just below the bust is ideal for making your legs look longer and showcasing them beautifully. 😉

What Long Dress Should You Wear if You’re Short and Curvy?

The advice I share in this guide applies to all body types, including those with curvier figures. However, if you fall into this category, you may want to pay special attention to the following:

• Choose a solid color dress, preferably in a dark shade,
• Opt for a fitted style above the waist to accentuate your curves,
• Highlight your neckline and shoulders,
• Wear your dress with accessories that are proportionate to your body shape: a wide belt and broad shoulder straps will enhance your look more effectively.

👉 There are many long dress styles specifically designed for curvy and plus-size silhouettes: be sure to check out these cuts for a sexy and elegant look!

You now have all the keys to find a long dress that will make you shine, no matter your size! Why not start right away by choosing from our collection of bohemian long dresses? We select these for their uniqueness and elegance, to enhance all women! Plus, you’ll find many dresses shown in the illustrations of this guide! 😉

Long Bohemian Dress